Norris relieved after strategy call: 'We learned from our mistakes'
Yesterday at 03:14 AM
Lando Norris and McLaren made the correct strategy calls to win the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, staying ahead of the fast-charging Max Verstappen at the finish line.
There was a certain expectation that McLaren would be the constructor to beat in the opening round of the 2025 season, and Norris confirmed as such by placing his MCL39 on pole position in a dry Qualifying session ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
The pair were over three tenths faster than the Red Bull of Verstappen over a single lap on the Saturday.
Come race day, conditions had dramatically shifted, with rain threatening to put a spanner in the works on many of the teams and drivers. Many drivers spun or retired, including Piastri who had been hounding Norris at the head of the field.
A late shower resulted in a mad dash in the pitlane, but Norris kept his cool and won the Grand Prix by under a second from Verstappen.
A little bit stressful
Speaking to the media immediately after the race, Norris admitted that the race around Albert Park was a particularly tricky one.
"Tough race! Especially with Max behind me. I was pushing, especially the last two laps. A little bit stressful, I won't lie. But an amazing way to start the year.
"A tough one because we went off, went through the gravel, got damage, just tricky conditions but these ones are enjoyable, fun and unpredictable but this time we got it right and ended up on top," added the McLaren driver.
Norris continued by alluding to his 2024 campaign where subpar strategic decisions were made in changeable conditions which derailed his Championship charge.
"We got it wrong a lot last year, so we learned from our mistakes. We lost out at Silverstone and Canada through a race like this.
"It's only the first round of 24, so dealing with the pressure, dealing with Max, dealing with Oscar, I was pushing the whole way through. A tough one, so to not make overly too many mistakes or a mistake that cost me anything, I can take a bit of credit for that.
To conclude, Norris thanked his team for providing a race-winning package.
"A tough but a challenging race. But for McLaren I need to give them a big thanks because they have given me an amazing car."
Formula 1 will return for the Chinese Grand Prix, commencing Sunday 23 March at 07:00 GMT (15:00 local time).
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